How will a failed first application affect the 2nd cycle?

[BowlingDoctor]

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I've been searching for forums on this topic and maybe I am just wording it wrong.

Lets just say you're a long shot this cycle and already planning to apply next cycle (ideally I'd want to get in the first cycle but applying twice won't discourage me). Does getting rejected hurt your chances the 2nd cycle or will schools see an improvement from previous years?

Just curious.

 

[esqueleto]

It doesn't hurt your chances at all as long as you're doing things to improve your application. Include the changes in your next app and talk about them during interviews. I hope you don't have to reapply though. Good luck!

 

[C_BryantDDS]

As long as there is improvement between the two applications, and you highlight that, I think some schools like to see persistence and determination in reapplicants.

 

[DMDDDSHopeful]

As long as there is improvement between the two applications, and you highlight that, I think some schools like to see persistence and determination in reapplicants.

Yes and no. Some schools like it. Some schools don't. Being a reapplicant is common.

Definitely try to improve it as much as you can from cycle to cycle. Definitely write a BRAND NEW statement. Try to shadow new dentists. Try to get more experience in new places.

 

[Floss is Boss]

I don't see how it will hurt you at all unless you apply with the same exact application and don't try to improve at all. My first cycle I got 0 interviews with pretty good gpa/dat. Second cycle I shadowed only a couple more times, rewrote my personal statement, continued working in the community, and actually decreased my gpa slightly but got 3 interviews and 3 acceptances. Honestly my application didn't change much besides just showing my continued interest. I think admissions like seeing that you are willing to reapply.

 

[Evolver311]

I'm a reapplicant this cycle and have received much more success this go-around. 1st cycle I received 2 interviews in the spring time and no acceptances. Improved greatly on my DAT, re-did my personal statement, increased my shadowing and volunteering hours...7 interviews, 5 acceptances. Boom!! I think schools like seeing perseverance and upward trends. Good luck!


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[ILoveChickenNuggets]

What everyone else has said. If you have made improvements on your application then you will definitely have greater chance of getting in somewhere your second time. I was a re-applicant this year and made improvements on my GPA, shadowing, volunteering, etc and got into all of the schools on December 1 that I got waitlisted at last year and more.

 

[BowlingDoctor]

See and that't what I was thinking. I've raised my GPA from sub 2.0 to barely at 3.1. With another year of undergrad and retaking classes it'll be 3.7 (That's with grade replacement and I know ADEA averages the grades out so please no lecture on that because the schools I'm applying for take your most recent/highest grade). With a 3.7 and 19AA/24PAT I'll stand a good chance next cycle. But I figure applying this cycle won't hurt except for the money but whats a little money now if I do get in this cycle.

 

[ncide]

See and that't what I was thinking. I've raised my GPA from sub 2.0 to barely at 3.1. With another year of undergrad and retaking classes it'll be 3.7 (That's with grade replacement and I know ADEA averages the grades out so please no lecture on that because the schools I'm applying for take your most recent/highest grade). With a 3.7 and 19AA/24PAT I'll stand a good chance next cycle. But I figure applying this cycle won't hurt except for the money but whats a little money now if I do get in this cycle.

How many schools do grade replacement?

 

[acesofseven]

How many schools do grade replacement?

Shouldn't matter. Schools look at what AADSAS gives them. The look at trends too, but they look at your oGPA and sGPA first.

 

[Flemish]

I would argue that for at least some schools, being a reapplicant gives you an advantage if you're the type that redoubles their efforts and makes significant improvement prior to your next cycle. Some dental school classes are actually majority reapplicants.

Just be sure to ask all your rejections what you need to do to improve and do just that.